“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)

“Now you’d better be good, because Santa’s coming in a few weeks. If you don’t act the way you should, instead of those presents you want – he’ll bring you a lump of coal.” As children become excited about the anticipated visit from the man with the white beard in the red suit, parents will sometimes say or do almost anything to mellow their restless behavior. The lump of coal legend is one that has been around for generations. However the threat of withholding Christmas, in whatever form, is an act of manipulation which often works and sometimes surpasses the innocence of childhood. I recently heard the story of a young man who lives in a different state than most of his relatives. For years unresolved tension has existed with his parents, even though they have tried to make amends.  Again this Christmas, the son will travel to his hometown to visit with siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins but will withhold Christmas from his parents by intentionally making no effort to spend time with them.

Several years ago, a consultant to a company for which I was employed decided that he would no longer be able to serve our organization in the upcoming year.  It had been our usual custom to purchase Christmas gifts for individuals who had provided services to the establishment. The individual who purchased these gifts for the company pursued my opinion as to whether we should give a gift to the person who would be discontinuing his services. My reply was that this individual should be treated the same as all the others, because I had always viewed the gifts as a token of appreciation for what had already been done. To be honest, I suppose I also did not want to burn any bridges not knowing what the future might bring. Therefore, gifts were purchased and delivered to everyone.  A few days later, I took a phone call from the consultant humbled that he had received a gift after presenting his resignation.  I extended my gratefulness for the services he had rendered. For you see, the point of Christmas is about giving . . . not withholding.

These stories beg the question – have you ever withheld Christmas from another person? My guess is that you have more times than you would dare to imagine. I know this is true in my life as well. For you see, there are many ways to withhold Christmas.  It doesn’t have to take the form of not giving a gift or deciding to exclude someone from your visitation schedule. Every time we have an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus and fail to do so, we are doing just that. When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds, these words were spoken: “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10). Notice that the angel said that the good news was for everyone.  That, my friends, means not just you and me.  It’s also the guy you regularly see eating alone in the diner you frequent. ‘All’ refers to the neighbor who often disturbs your day with the noisy dog and the loud motorcycle. It means the person you intentionally omitted from your Christmas party invitation list for whatever reason. No doubt you can think of more.

Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). It was a point He tried to make to the religious leaders of His time, but it escaped their understanding. It sometimes escapes ours as well, for we have come to define abundance in the form of material possessions rather than spiritual gifts. It is important that we are passionate about the unique gifts God has given us and be ready to share His Good News. Sometimes we feel we don’t have the right words, but readiness includes a state of willingness. So, simply be a good example in the community and an authentic witness to the faith that is within you.  “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ” (Philemon 1:6). This Christmas we can fill the needs of the lonely, bring joy to those who are sad, and give hope to the depressed. Christ has commissioned us to share the Good News of His birth. We are all called not just to the world of those we love but also to the wider world of the hurting who need to be uplifted at this time of year. Jesus stated it this way – “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). In taking up His call, we will never withhold Christmas again.

REFLECTION: Why do you think Christmas remains one of the most likely times of the year for non-believers to consider matters of faith?  What are some practical ways you might allow God to use you to bring hope to others this Christmas? What obstacles might you have to overcome in order to do so?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., DECEMBER 16, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11)

I was decorating my light post and the bushes in front of my home for Christmas. A former work colleague who saw me as he was driving by pulled over, got out of the car and began to reminisce. The weather was fairly mild, so we stood outside and talked for a while. About half-way through the conversation, there was an attempt by my friend to turn the conversation toward politics. I rather promptly shut down the subject by simply stating that I didn’t like to get into political discussions. Then I concluded by saying, “Quite frankly, I have come to the conclusion that the world is a mess.” My visitor could not resist in agreeing that my statement contained a lot of truth. As I reflected on this dialog later, I decided that my attitude was a rather dismal way to feel as we prepare to begin the four weeks of Advent leading to Christmas. Then I thought there have undoubtedly been many Christmas seasons during which mankind must have found themselves in a dark state of unrest.

One of those was in December, 1941 when much of the world was at war. On December 6 of that year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a personal appeal to Japanese Emperor Hirohito to use his influence to avoid war. One day later, America was caught off-guard when the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack, which killed 2403 U. S. citizens with another 1178 wounded, came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the nation’s entry into World War II. For the next three years young men were called to serve, and the United States and their allies were at war during Christmas. “Peace on Earth” was not just a nice phrase found on holiday cards, but it was also the number one wish of all people throughout the world. The season gave hope that maybe next year the war would be over while song lyrics like “I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams” topped the charts.

Throughout much of history, we find the world searching for some kind of peace. We should not be surprised then to realize that even the birth of Jesus occurred during a dark time in a turbulent land. Anticipating the coming of the Christ-child centuries before His arrival, the great prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2). When we consider that Christ came to bring light to a deeply troubled world, the image we form is one which is awe-inspiring and beautiful. For we all face seasons of darkness, and God in the flesh (‘the Incarnate’) knows exactly how that looks and feels. God sent His Son into the darkness as one of us when He had every reason to refrain from doing so. His justification: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

So we find ourselves in a fallen world as fallen persons looking for some kind of salvation. Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Here, he describes the void we each sometimes feel in our lives. The effortless search to find a savior will never be satisfied until we find the one true source of light in this dark world. Jesus himself said, “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:5-6). In the hours of our greatest doubt, fear, pain, and worry – Jesus was born to take up residence in our lives. “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10). It’s okay to conclude that this world is in a real mess. It will continue to be that way until Jesus returns. Until then, we will receive the confidence that only God can provide through the Holy Spirit and His Word. As we do so, we can rest assured that the hope of the Advent season will deliver the only Savior we need.

REFLECTION: How do you presently feel about the state of the world? Are there ways you might use this Advent season to remind yourself “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4)? As you interact with others over the next few weeks, how might you be able to lead those who have a need for a savior in their life?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., DECEMBER 9, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

               “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”                        (1 Chronicles 16:34)

I once knew a lady who would respond the same way each time she was asked the question, “How are you?”  In the time I knew her, her answer never varied. It was always, “Plenty to be thankful for.” I am sure she had experienced hardship, suffering and pain in her lifetime. Yet, one would have never known from a conversation with her. It was obvious that she could always find something good about her current station in life. From time to time, I will offer support to an older lady who in the past few years has lost her husband and a significant amount of her vision. While she can function fairly well in her own home, she is dependent on others to drive her to appointments or shop for things that she needs. Each time I bring her home and get her resettled into her familiar environment, she says, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Her triple-fold expression of gratitude always humbles me, knowing that her words of appreciation are not just frivolously spoken but are rather a sincere expression of thanksgiving.

As I recently looked over my prayer list, I became conscious of the fact that many of the persons on it have lost love ones this past year. In several cases, it was the father/husband of the family. In another, it was a mother who had been faithfully cared for by her daughter. And in others, it was an adult child who departed this earth far too soon. I thought about the empty chairs at Thanksgiving dinners. Even though in many cases, those chairs will become physically filled by another individual, holidays are exceptionally difficult times to face the absence of a loved one. The Apostle Paul once said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). When his letter was written it would be read by the living, but such words can certainly be applied in tribute to those who have passed on to their eternal home as well. While some share around the Thanksgiving table something for which they are thankful, it would be an even greater blessing simply to be grateful for those who occupy the chairs.

Unfortunately, like many other things in our lives we have come to take our blessings for granted. Charles Dickens once said – “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” In a reading of the Old Testament, one will find that Job’s wife, in a moment of despair, encouraged him to give up his loyalty to God because of the many difficulties they had encountered. “But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? So in all this, Job said nothing wrong” (Job 2:10). In other words, Job understood it wouldn’t be right to receive the blessings which God sends and not also accept the trials He allows. Likewise, Paul steps in to remind us that we should “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

In the hustle of completing to-do lists and meeting personal deadlines, it has become far too easy to block out the details of the day forgetting that each and every one holds precious gifts. From the air we breathe to the persons we hold dear, there is always something to be thankful for. I recently read a ‘thank you letter’ a lady had published in the local newspaper. She had become acutely ill and needed to be transported to the hospital where she received care for several days. Her letter echoed appreciation to everyone who shared in her service delivery including not only physicians and nurses but also the housekeepers, food service personnel, and even the ambulance staff. While it sometimes takes a crisis to elicit an attitude of gratitude, we can be moved to incorporate acts of appreciation into our regular routine. William Arthur Ward put it this way: “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”  Thanksgiving is a choice we can make daily. We simply need to recognize God’s wonderful blessings and ask Him to give us a grateful heart. For as one wise woman once reminded me – there is indeed “plenty to be thankful for.”

REFLECTION: Who are those folks for whom you are ever so grateful that you could easily tell them, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16). How can we take on some of the characteristics of Christ (such as goodness, love, kindness, and compassion) in order that we might become a more grateful person?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., DECEMBER 2, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1)

The little girl stood on the seat of the booth looking over the divider that separated the eating area and an entrance hallway into the restaurant. Not more than a few years old, she began to smile and giggle. Then she waved, as the small child on the other side of the partition waved back. At the urging of her mother, she sat down and ate a few bites of food. As her curiosity got the best of her, she once more stood on the seat and peered over the panel. Again, she giggled and waved and, as before, the other child did the same. It was amazing how much they looked alike. Indeed, they could have been twins for one was, in fact, a mirror-image of the other. The mother decided to glance over the divider to see what was so intriguing. Then she realized that her daughter had been seeing herself reflected in a mirror on the opposite side of the entrance hallway. As this child grows in age, she will become more focused on others and will learn to reflect that interest in games such as “Follow the Leader.”

Throughout the history of Judaism, one of the most honored positions for a Jewish man was the privilege of becoming a “follower” of the local rabbi. The decision to ask to be a rabbi’s disciple and receive religious training from him was not made lightly. Followers sat at the rabbi’s feet as he taught. They would study his words, observed how he acted, and contemplate how he would react to life situations. A student would count it the highest honor to serve his rabbi even to the point of emulating the rabbi’s gestures and mirroring his persona in every aspect of his tradition. A rabbi in the First Century would only choose a very few, highly promising young men from whom he thought could fully measure up to his standard. The young Jewish lad readily agreed to totally surrender to the rabbi’s authority in all areas of interpreting the Scriptures for his life.  If a rabbi judged a potential disciple to have the capability to become just like him, then he would utter those cherished words of acceptance that they yearned to hear – “Follow me.”

When Jesus used those same words to call His disciples (Matthew 4:19), it was an invitation to be changed by Him sharing His passion for all who need a Savior. Jesus deliberately broke the protocol of the traditional rabbi by calling His own disciples. It would seem He had no choice but to do it that way, for no observant young Jewish man would ever have had the courage to ask Jesus if he could become His disciple. Following Jesus also meant that one doesn’t just duplicate His teachings but rather demonstrates through actions that even with an imperfect life, one can be faithful. One of his very own put it this way: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it–not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it–they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:23-25).

Everyone follows something or someone: friends, popular culture, sports, social media, family, selfish desires, or God. We can only effectively follow one thing at a time. To follow Christ means we apply the truths we learn from His Word and live as if Jesus walks in person beside us. When we decide to follow Jesus, we apprentice our lives with Him. We commit to listening to Him, to obeying Him, and to allowing Him to shape our whole being. No one can imitate Jesus flawlessly, but over time the disciple begins to reflect the master’s influence. “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (1 Corinthians 13:12). For like a child, we can look in a mirror and not truly understand who we are. Or we can mature as a faithful disciple and begin to see our image reflect His own.

REFLECTION: Are you personally following Jesus? Does your day revolve around Him? Do you start the day seeking Him, go through the day serving Him, and end the day by thanking Him? How might you apply this scripture to your life – “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart” (Proverbs 27:19)?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 25, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3)

It is at this time of the year when we remember those who fought for our country, allowed themselves to be put in harm’s way, and who we have come to observe on a special holiday known as Veteran’s Day. The phrase “in harm’s way” has been attributed to the American Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones, forever known as “The Father of the American Navy”. In 1778, American Navy Captain Jones went to France, hoping to persuade the French government to give him a ship to use in the American colonies’ rebellion against the British. In a letter dated November 16, 1778, he said: “I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.” Unfortunately, the best that the American agents in France could find for Jones was a slow, refurbished, 14-year old vessel. Jones proceeded to sail into harm’s way with his tub of a ship and motley crew, and that led to his most famous battle.  With his ship sinking and burning, guns wrecked, and half his crew dead or wounded – John Paul Jones had a chance to surrender which any normal person would have taken. But Jones himself answered with the call that he had “not yet begun to fight.”

Those who serve in our armed forces understand that freedom comes at a cost. And since the birth of our nation, brave men and women have stepped forward, weighed that cost and chosen to lay down their lives in service to their fellow countrymen. When one of them dies, the words extended “on behalf of a grateful nation” seem inadequate at times. These days, it is not only those in uniform who occasionally  march into harm’s way. Indeed, that could be any of us who walks into a public building or shops at a local mall. No one would have suspected that attending worship at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas would have placed themselves at risk of being among those 26 persons who were mortally wounded on November 5, 2017. In those brief minutes after the attacker began to fire his weapon, a mother shielded her four children as best she could by throwing her body over theirs. Only two of the children survived as this mother who sacrificed her life realized they were all in harm’s way.  A concerned neighbor who heard the massacre unfolding grabbed his rifle and placed himself in danger by opening fire on the shooter and chased him down in a stranger’s truck. Reflecting on the event, he later stated – “I’m no hero. I think my Lord protected me and gave me the skills to do what needed to be done.”

Undoubtedly, you must like have heard someone say – “Things are going to get worse before they get better.” While some may see this as pessimism, others simply view it as a call of preparation. Lest there be any doubt, we live in uncertain times. In the apostle Paul’s last letter to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, he gave this insight: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1).  In the verses which follow, He goes on to describe what these end times will look like. It is clear that dangerous, harmful, high-risk periods have already arrived. We are living in a generation that faces world threats like no other generation has ever known. The obvious follow up question for any believer then would be . . . “Now that I know the Lord, what am I to do in perilous times?’” Paul provides this answer: “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you” (2 Timothy 3:14).

As we face each new day knowing that we will be in a spiritual battle for all that is good and right, it’s easy to reflect on the words of the great hymn – “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war; With the cross of Jesus going on before.’ Taken from New Testament references to the Christian being a soldier for Christ, none of us know if and when we might be called to stand for our faith. We might march in the ranks of the armed services, engage in the protection of a loved one or neighbor in need, or come face to face with some other hateful act of this world. We can hold onto those words: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). We will sense the presence of His protection and know the assurance of His love as we move to confront whatever places us in harm’s way.

REFLECTION: As a child of God, how can you fully embrace that you are equipped to minister to someone who is suffering? Do you feel overcome with fear or filled with faith as you contemplate facing the special challenges of being in harm’s way? Are you heeding the warnings of the Holy Spirit to be spiritually alert?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 18, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” (Luke 8:13)

They worshiped together every Sunday. The service was a simple one with the old hymns of the church, familiar scripture readings, and short prayers of reassurance. To the casual acquaintance, the mother and daughter strongly resembled each other. The younger could recall what her mother looked like in earlier years, and she had to admit that the features of the elder at her age were quite similar.  When the mother looked at her daughter, she could not identify her. But there she was holding the hand of this unnamed other who surrounded her with affection. Perhaps there were hints of recollection of her former self. Or maybe, she was just comforted by the presence of the one who visited, knowing somewhere in the tangles of the Alzheimer’s Disease which she possessed that this lady was indeed very special to her. And although she could not begin to verbalize a name or understand the relationship, when the piano started to play – she effortlessly began to sing, “There is a place of quiet rest . . . ”

How is it that one can forget the name of her only daughter but at the very same time know the words of a hymn? While great progress has been made in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, some of the mysteries such as ‘selective memory’ continue to baffle us. It is at times amazing to observe a person of deep faith progress through the various stages of the disease. Frequently those connections which were established at an early age, such as memorization of scriptures and reiteration of prayers, remain intact. Similar experiences are at times true for a person who is dying and seemingly in an unconscious state but who appears to respond to recorded gospel music or scripture reading. The prophet from long ago reminds us: “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). There is something to be said for those who are grounded in the faith being able draw upon the comfort it provides during the difficult times.

The concept of being grounded has somehow taken on too much of a negative tone. Children are grounded because they have broken certain rules or need to improve their grades. Flights are grounded due to bad weather, projected threats, or mechanical concerns. However, in each of these cases – the act of being grounded is for our own good. Yet when it comes to our faith, the idea of grounding through the discipline of daily devotions or Bible readings seems incomprehensible to us. The Apostle Paul said, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7). Even those who are ungrateful or who happen to stray from the faith for a time will have something to which they can return, if they have developed strong roots in their earlier years.

Increasingly, there are those who claim to be persons of faith but whose lives are easily uprooted when the troubled winds of life prevail.  The only way for a believer to become grounded in Christ is to grow in the word of God. It strengthens and maintains us. His word is transformative and powerful, because it is alive. Jesus explained that seed sown on rocky ground without much depth of soil would wither in the heat of the sun because it lacked root (Matthew 13:5-6). The word of God provides all of the nutrients and moisture for strengthening to the innermost core of our soul, joining our heart with His very own. And that, my friend, is exactly why the lady who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease so clearly articulated those words, “There is a place of quiet rest.”  For she also remembered that the words which followed were . . . “near to the heart of God.”

REFLECTION: What early recollections of scripture do you have that you may have memorized at Bible School or heard repeated time and again by an older person? Is there a part of your daily routine that helps to keep you grounded in the faith? What changes might you make this week for sowing seeds to grow deeper roots of faith for yourself and others?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 11, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including his people, his own special possession.” (Jeremiah 51:19)

It has been described by some to be one of the most impactful shows in American television history determined by its ratings and the number of stars it had produced.  Ever since its first season in 2002, the singing competition series American Idol was the place to go to see some of the country’s best-hidden talent, along with others who thought they had talent but should have just stayed in hiding. The concept of the series involved discovering recording stars from unsigned singers with the viewing audience selecting the winner. Just a few years after its debut – it became the most-watched show on U.S. television, a position it then held for seven consecutive seasons. At the end of the show’s 15-year run, its contestants had produced enormous revenue with sales of more than 60 million albums. While there is an innocent tendency to become captivated by the excitement generated around emerging personalities, we have to be cautious about who and what we allow to become our personal idols.

Idol worship was prevalent at the time of the prophet Jeremiah and caused him to issue this warning to the nation of Israel: “Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol. They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good” (Jeremiah 10:3-5). As we unveil the latest Halloween costumes each year, it’s always interesting to see what characters are on display. It seems as though the innocence and fun associated with Halloween over the years have come to be replaced with evil acts such as vandalism, destructive pranks, glorification of sensuality, death, and demons. Even though idolatry is a topic which many see as antiquated and outdated, it should be obvious from a Christian perspective that these modern practices should fall subject to concern.

An idol is anything or anyone other than God that we allow to influence or control our lives. Idolatry can be practiced in many forms. Evangelist Billy Graham says: “Take, for example, our preoccupation with money and material possessions. These aren’t necessarily wrong, of course; we need them to take care of our loved ones and make our lives comfortable. But both can easily become ‘idols’ that we slavishly follow and allow to become the most important things in our lives.”  Whenever our needs become focused on the acquisition of the “bigger and better” – things that really matter will be pushed away, and God becomes secondary if not forgotten. Paul wrote. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). There’s nothing inherently evil about money, but loving it can lead you into many forms of evil. Jesus warned against the worship of material things. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24).

If we are to escape modern idolatry, we have to admit that it is rampant and reject it in all forms.  We have been given this commandment: “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them…” (Deuteronomy 5:7-9). We need to examine our lives to determine if we regard our self, our power and possessions as the center of the universe instead of looking to God as the creator and sustainer of all. We must pay careful attention to what we love. For it is only when we love the Lord first and foremost that there will be no room in our hearts for idolatry.

REFLECTION: Is there anything you feel you cannot live without? Is there anything or anyone in your life whom you love more than God? Consider praying and asking God to reveal the idols which may have crept into your life – even the inherently good things which you’ve elevated to a higher place than they ought to be.

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 4, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.” (Psalm 142:3)

As my friend mentally prepared herself to go for the MRI ordered by her physician, she couldn’t help but think of the confined tunnel-like scanning machine into which she would be placed. She understood the diagnostic advantages of having these tests performed.  She knew that the MRI machines themselves had certainly been upgraded over the years and were not nearly as unpleasant as they once were. However, that did not help the fact that she was a bit claustrophobic whenever she found herself in tight spaces. Before consenting to the test, she was told that if she felt too anxious a sedative could be administered prior to the procedure.  Hoping that this would not be necessary, she traveled to the facility on the day of the scheduled test and was taken to a waiting area where she sat alone. Then out through a door marked ‘Radiology’ came a lady much older than she. Pausing to get a drink at the water cooler, the elder looked over and said, “First time?” to which my friend acknowledged that it was. “Oh it’s not so bad, just noisy. You’ll be fine. Just think of other things. I sing hymns and say prayers,” she shared.

For whatever reason, as my friend entered the scanner – she began to think about the Chilean miners who had been trapped underground quite a few years before. She remembered that they had been down there for several months before they were rescued. She therefore rationalized if their plight had been that long, certainly she could endure the next 45 minutes.  It was October, 2010 when the world watched those 33 who emerge one by one from the earth over a period of two days, having actually been there for 69. In the aftermath of the rescue, some of those who had been trapped reflected on profound miracles and credited God for protecting them. Many of them said that “He was the 34th miner.”  Years later, one of the rescued recounted a time while trapped when one of his colleagues became ill. He attributed the prayers of the other miners for healing him stating, “The next day, he was better. . . He was doing better than all of us.” That power of prayer stayed with the miners throughout their time underground. He elaborated, “When we prayed, we didn’t pray to get rescued; we prayed for the people outside not to abandon us.” That prayer was answered as well.

While fleeing from King Saul who was searching to kill him, imagine how David felt when Saul entered the restricted space of a dark cave where he was hiding. He must have prayed for his own safety or at least for the right thing to do, as he was able to get close enough to Saul to kill him. Instead David only cut off a piece of his robe (1 Samuel 24:4) to later prove that he would bring him no harm (1 Samuel 24:10-13). As the destined king, he would not take matters into his own hands but waited patiently for the workings of God to unfold and bring judgement on the house of Saul. Scripture reveals that it was when David was in this situation that he wrote these words: “I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (Psalm 57:4). In the strain of being hated and hunted, David shines as example to remain steadfast and hold onto your faith. Probably the last thing we would have expected him to do in this setting would be to write a praise song, but we are blessed that he did.

Hopefully you will never have the experience of being trapped in a cave or underground in a collapsed mine.  You might not even have to find yourself in the tight space of an MRI machine. However, there will assuredly be those times when you will be faced with an overwhelming feeling of darkness and despair. As followers of Christ, we are told, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). In another cave writing, David teaches us how to pray in such times of desperation. His Psalm 142 concludes with this affirmation – “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me” (Psalm 142:7). There is a lesson here for each of us: When you find yourself in a tight spot, trapped and alone – you can be confident that it’s time to cry out to God, believe in the power of prayer, and feel surrounded by His comfort and love.

REFLECTION: Why does God allow some of His choicest saints to spend time in dark places? What have you learned from your personal cave experiences? How does prayer provide a sense of peace and hope when you find yourself in one of these situations? What are some ways in which you might better use God to be that “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 28, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

He’s down on his luck. Recently he lost his job, his girlfriend broke up with him, he’s considered suicide, and then he’s forced to leave the city and move back home with his recently widowed sister and her daughter. Sounds like a scene torn from the script of an afternoon soap. It’s actually the background for a primetime dramedy (mix of drama and comedy) interestingly titled Kevin (Probably) Saves the World. The main character, Kevin, is informed that he is one of the 36 righteous souls responsible for helping people and keeping hope alive. Although there is little if any mention of God, per se, he is lead to believe that the universe will reveal who those persons are whom he is supposed to help. Hesitant to move his mission along, the overly-anxious Kevin puts himself in the middle of awkward situations, including what occasionally appears to be hallucinatory conversations with his spirit guide who only he can see. It’s ridiculous at times, but it also makes for good entertainment.

You have most likely heard of others who have felt similarly tested and appeared to be ridiculous if they acted on their promptings.  There are persons asked to take a leadership role in their church who are quite sure they have nothing to offer. What about the individual who quits their lucrative six-figure job because they feel called to go into missionary work? Then there are those who have faced life-altering situations (an accident or illness) where they have gone from what appeared to be highly-productive work to an imposed period of reflection and preparation. Most of them come to realize that even when they thought they knew where they were going in life, God could change their direction in a split second. Some even come to embrace those famous words of Jesus: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).

The Biblical accounts of God calling His children are countless, and many could have been perceived as ridiculous. How silly did Noah look when God asked him to build an ark? Scripture does not tell us if people made fun of him for undertaking this project, but knowing how the world mocks God’s followers – it makes some sense. The important thing, however, is that “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). And, who was Moses to think he could stand up to the most powerful king in the land as he “protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). But God said, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12). Just imagine what was going through the mind of Simon Peter, an experienced fisherman, when Jesus said, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again” (Luke 5:4-5). Apparently none of these men worried if they looked foolish . . . they simply did what God asked of them.

More often than not, when God calls us to do something that appears completely ridiculous – we begin to worry about what people are going to think.  While His call isn’t always followed with a clear outcome, we can be assured that He does so for a reason. He wants us to step out in faith into a situation that might seem unbelievable, in order that He might amaze us and increase our faith. When He asks us to move, He never asks us to go alone. As the great prophet reminds us – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). The practice of listening to the voice of the Lord creates an intimacy and trust that only He can provide. When God makes what seems to be a ridiculous request, it is in those moments that we realize just how much we depend on Him. As we go forward in quiet obedience – we will be given an opportunity to refine our lives, serve Him, and become more of the person He wants us to be.

REFLECTION: Has God ever asked you to do something you thought was just plain illogical?   Did you have the courage to follow His calling? What is the one thing you have to offer the Lord where your presence could make the most difference?  What are those things that might hold you back?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 21, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

In a conversation with a funeral director, he cited the story about the burial of an underprivileged woman who had lived for years in the county poor house. Over the time she resided there, a portion of her limited funds was set aside for a simple burial. When the time of her passing came, a meager interment would be provided. However, one detail remained – a burial plot needed to be obtained. After much searching of the local cemeteries, an insignificant location was found along a fence in one of the graveyards. In spite of her modest means, the lady received a complete and proper burial including the marking of the grave with her name. Not long afterwards, the funeral director received a phone call from a more prominent member of the community who questioned why he would choose to bury this lady next to her family plot. How presumptuous, you might say. Would one dare ask the question – how often do we look at someone else’s life and consider it to be inferior to our own?

On October 1, 2017  Tom McIntosh and his wife were among thousands attending an outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. Suddenly bullets began flying through the air, while many believed at first that the gun sounds were fireworks. Upon the awareness of what was actually happening, the concertgoers ran for safety. As McIntosh helped his wife and another lady over a barrier wall, he was shot in the leg. As he lowered himself over the other side, he realized that he was badly bleeding. Then James Lawson, a complete stranger, appeared ready to help. He assisted with the placement of a makeshift tourniquet while another stranger transported them to the hospital in the bed of a pickup truck. He feels he wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for Lawson who unassumingly credited dozens of others like himself performing very similar acts.  One of those other helpers, a firefighter, was quoted as saying – “I was in the wrong place at the right time.” And that was true for many on that ominous day.

Stories like this serve to validate who we really are. We can run for the hills and never look back, or we can become the kind of person God would want us to be. He gave those who helped in Las Vegas the courage to shelter others with their own bodies. When we see someone else’s life just as important as our own, we humble ourselves before God. Tragic circumstances are reminders for each of us to consider the fragility of life and our relationship with Him. Jesus was asked about a tragedy that had occurred in His day. His followers were suggesting that when people die in some kind of arbitrary act, God might be judging them. Jesus responded by saying, “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee? Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God” (Luke 13:2-3). In that regard, we acknowledge that we are all paupers who come with nothing to offer Him but our sin and our need for salvation.  We recognize our lack of value and our complete inability to save ourselves.

There are always those who will ask, “Where was God in the midst of this tragedy? In perilous times, God is always present in His role as shepherd and comforter. When David was being hunted by King Saul who wanted him dead, he declared, “In you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by” (Psalm 57:1).  We all long for the day when God wipes away every tear and there is no more death (Revelation 21:4).  Until that comes to pass, the Bible doesn’t give us a guarantee of shelter from every kind of harm.  The shooting in Las Vegas did not slip past God, for our times continue to be in His hands. The prophet said: “Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come” (Isaiah 57:1). The righteous man, when he dies, enters into peace and rest. For those of us who remain on this earth continuing to be faced with matters of life and death – know that He is there to remind us that we can, at any time, take refuge in the shadow of His wings.

REFLECTION: How can we seek God’s help to grant us humility so that we do not see our life more valuable than that of others? In what ways might we search for His refuge in everyday situations?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., OCTOBER 14, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.